Credit Protector

Discovering your identity has been stolen can be stressful, confusing, and overwhelming. Whether it’s a strange charge on your bank account or a credit card you didn’t open, the key is acting fast.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you take control, limit the damage, and start the recovery process as quickly as possible.

Step 1: Spot the Signs Early

Sometimes identity theft is obvious. Other times, it’s subtle and can go unnoticed for months. Keep an eye out for warning signs like:

Unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report
Debt collectors contacting you about debts you don’t recognize
Credit cards or loans you never applied for
Denials for credit when your history is clean
Missing mail or bills

If you notice anything off, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the better. Contact us today to find out how we can help.

Step 2: Contact the Companies Involved

Start by contacting the business or financial institution where the fraud occurred.

For example:

Call your bank or credit card provider to report unauthorized charges
Notify loan companies if someone applied for credit in your name
Close or freeze any affected accounts

Ask them to:

Reverse fraudulent charges
Close or freeze the affected account(s)
Send you confirmation in writing

Tip: Keep a detailed record of who you talked to, the date, and what actions were taken.

Step 3: Report It to the FTC

In the U.S., you should file an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). It’s easy and gives you documentation that many banks and credit bureaus require.

Start here: https://www.identitytheft.gov

You’ll get:

A pre-filled FTC Identity Theft Report
A personalized recovery plan
Sample letters to send to companies and credit bureaus

Step 4: Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze

Next, contact one of the three major credit bureaus and ask them to place a fraud alert on your file. That bureau is required to notify the others.

Fraud alerts last for 1 year and are free. They require creditors to verify your identity before issuing credit.

Alternatively, you can place a credit freeze, which blocks new creditors entirely from accessing your report. It’s stronger than a fraud alert and ideal if you're not applying for credit soon.

Contact the bureaus directly:

Equifax: https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/
Experian: https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
TransUnion: https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze

Step 5: Set Up Ongoing Credit Monitoring

After you’ve cleaned up the damage, keep watch. Identity thieves may try again — sometimes even years later.

Set up a credit monitoring service like Credit Protector to:

Receive real-time alerts about changes to your credit
Get notified about new inquiries, account openings, or missed payments
Track your credit score and recovery progress

Final Thoughts

Identity theft is scary, but you’re not powerless. Taking action quickly can limit the damage, protect your financial reputation, and even stop future attempts.

To recap:

Confirm the fraud
Report it to the affected companies
File a report with the FTC
Set up fraud alerts or freeze your credit
Dispute any incorrect information
Monitor your credit moving forward

At Credit Protector, we’re here to help you stay informed, take action, and protect your identity every step of the way.